The heartbroken parents of a young boy who died suddenly have paid tribute to their son, telling of his “wicked sense of humour” and funny one-liners.

Four-year-old Oakley Brocklehurst, who had epilepsy, was unable to be woken on Saturday morning by his dad Barrie at their Deighton home.

Now Barrie and mum Lorraine are choosing to celebrate their son’s life and look to happier times they shared together with his older brother Rohan.

Oakley, left, with his mother Lorraine Brocklehurst and brother Rohan. Oakley wore a protective soft helmet due to his epilepsy

They say Oakley, who was a reception class pupil at Christ Church Academy, loved singing songs and taking selfies and was a big fan of TV character Fireman Sam.

Oakley was affectionately known as ‘bear’ because he loved to give cuddles.

Lorraine said: “He smiled through everything. He was an inspiration and he could have put many adults to shame.

“Never once did he complain. He was a true character with his attitude for life. He was four going on 44.

“He had a wicked sense of humour. He would come out with the best one-liners.”

Barrie Brocklehurst with son Oakley taking a selfie in the car. Oakley passed away suddenly at his home in Deighton.

Barrie also paid tribute to his son and added: “He was my co-pilot. He would sit in the front next to me when we went out in the car.

“We’d take selfies when we stopped at the traffic lights. He wouldn’t let you take a picture of him unless it was a selfie.”

Barrie and Lorraine shared with the Examiner a photo of Oakley with a beaming smile on his face as they recalled the day it was taken.

Oakley Brocklehurst as his school nativity play, where he sang Little Donkey - which he insisted was not just a Christmas song

Barrie said: “It was taken at his school nativity.

“He was so proud to be singing in front of everyone. He was like that – a true performer.

“It was a group song but everyone said you could hear him the loudest. He just loved to sing.”

Barrie said although Oakley had epilepsy and other health problems there were no warning signs the night before that anything was wrong.

He continued: “Oakley went to bed at around 8pm and by 9.30pm I could still hear him singing to himself which wasn’t unusual. He was singing ‘Little Donkey’ as he said it wasn’t just a Christmas song.

“I heard him snoring at around 10.30pm.”

Tragically, when Barrie went into Oakley’s bedroom on Saturday morning he was unable to wake him and quickly phoned an ambulance.

He added: “I wouldn’t wish that on any parent to find your child like that.”

Both Barrie and Lorraine are members of Huddersfield Spiritualist Church in Quarmby and say their faith has helped them face the passing of their son.

They both agreed: “It was his time.”

Oakley Brocklehurst ,who has passed away suddenly at home in Deighton

Barrie thanked West Yorkshire Ambulance Service, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance which also attended, as well as close family friend Martin Lamburn, who arrived within minutes and helped him with CPR.

Lorraine was in Huddersfield Royal Infirmary at the time recovering from pneumonia. She wishes to thank the staff at HRI ward six for their support and compassion.

A fundraising page set up by the Brocklehursts' friend Leanne has seen donations flood in towards Oakley’s funeral costs.

Lorraine added: “You look and there’s people who’ve donated and shared the page from as far as Devon, it’s so touching to think people who never even knew Oakley have donated.”

Oakley with with his brother Rohan

A celebration of Oakley’s life will take place at Huddersfield Crematorium on March 1 at 11.15am.

Barrie explained: “We are having a white carriage with white horses for his funeral.

“He would always go up to the police horses when we saw them out and about. He really loved them.”

His family have requested that those attending should wear bright colours with something purple if at all possible. Donations will be collected instead of flowers and split between two charities close to their hearts, Parents of Children with Additional Needs (PCAN) and Epilepsy Awareness.